A high-school level lesson focused on mastering MLA in-text citations using Romeo and Juliet as the primary source material, emphasizing sophisticated quote integration and avoiding repetitive analytical framing.
Shakespeare often writes in verse. If you quote 2-3 lines, use a forward slash (/).
"O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright! / It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night" (1.5.46-47).
Leave a space on both sides of the slash.
Maintain original capitalization.
Practice 2
Punctuation Patrol
Rewrite this sentence with correct punctuation and citation for Act 1, Scene 1, line 170.
"Alas, that love, whose view is muffled still!" Romeo exclaims. (1:1:170)
Correction Guide:
Move character attribution to the start.
Place ending punctuation after the parenthesis.
Format numbers with periods: (1.1.170).
Correct Answer
Romeo exclaims, "Alas, that love, whose view is muffled still" (1.1.170).
Introductory tag flows into the quote. Internal exclamation is removed. Period goes after citation.
Sophisticated Lead-Ins
Avoid "He says" or "She says." Use your lead-in to provide plot context.
Option 1: Contextual
Romeo instantly forgets Rosaline when he catches sight of Juliet, wondering,
Option 2: Grammatical
Juliet’s beauty is so striking that Romeo claims she actually
"Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight!" (1.5.50).
Practice 3
Lead-In Power
Complete this sentence by choosing the superior lead-in.
[Your Lead-In], "Wisely and slow. They stumble that run fast" (2.3.94).
Option A
The Friar warns Romeo about his haste by advising him to go
Option B
The Friar thinks Romeo is too fast and says,
Correct Answer
Option A
"The Friar warns Romeo about his haste by advising him to go..."
Option A is better because it provides specific context (haste) and uses more descriptive verbs (warns/advising) than generic fillers.
Seamless Integration
Flow naturally from your voice to the character's voice.
Clunky (Avoid)
Tybalt hates peace. He says, "I hate the word / As I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee" (1.1.68-69).
Sophisticated (Goal)
Tybalt establishes his aggressive nature by claiming to hate peace as much as he hates "hell, all Montagues, and [Benvolio]" (1.1.68-69).
Ellipses (...) & Brackets [ ]
Tools to make a quote fit your sentence's grammar and focus.
Ellipses (...)
Remove unnecessary words
"I will withdraw, but this intrusion shall... convert to bitterest gall" (1.5.91-92).
Brackets [ ]
Change words or tense
Tybalt promises that the "intrusion [will]... convert to bitterest gall" (1.5.91-92).
Practice 4
Synthesis Challenge
Combine these into one seamless sentence with an MLA citation.
Context
Friar Lawrence warns Romeo that loving too intensely can lead to destruction.
Quote
"These violent delights have violent ends" (2.6.9).
Try starting with the context as your lead-in.
Correct Answer
Friar Lawrence warns Romeo that "these violent delights have violent ends" (2.6.9), revealing his deep concern about the couple's hasty passion.
Notice how the context becomes the introductory clause and the quote is woven directly into the sentence structure.
Quoting Dialogue
To quote a conversation, use a block format. Capitalize names followed by a period.
Romeo. I do protest I never injured thee,
But love thee better than thou canst devise...
Tybalt. Boy, this shall not excuse the injuries
That thou hast done me. Therefore turn and draw. (3.1.67-71)
Pro-Tip: No quotation marks are used in block format.
Block Quotes (4+ Lines)
Required if you quote 4+ lines of poetry. Indent the entire block.
Mercutio’s Queen Mab speech showcases his imagination:
She is the fairies' midwife, and she comes
In shape no bigger than an agate stone
On the forefinger of an alderman,
Drawn with a team of little atomies (1.4.54-57)
Period comes BEFORE citation.
No quotation marks around block.
Practice 5
The Block Test
Identify two formatting errors in this block quote attempt.
Prince Escalus warns the families that their violence must end:
"If ever you disturb our streets again,
Your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace.
For this time, all the rest depart away"
(1.1.92-94).
Error 1: _____________________
Error 2: _____________________
Correct Answer
1
Remove Quotation Marks: Block quotes do not use quotation marks around the main body of text.
2
Period Position: In block quotes, the final period comes before the citation parenthesis.
Practice 6
Quote Surgery
Remove "this quote shows" and replace it with a sophisticated verb.
"Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow" (2.2.184). This quote shows that Juliet feels conflicted about leaving Romeo because she loves him.
Juliet’s oxymoronic description of "sweet sorrow" (2.2.184) illuminates the painful duality of her blossoming romance.
By removing the filler, the analysis becomes much tighter and your academic voice sounds more authoritative.
The Master Challenge
Write an original analytical sentence (context + quote + citation + analysis). NO "This shows"!
Evidence
"A plague o' both your houses!"
Speaker: Mercutio // (3.1.94)
Prompt
Explain how Mercutio’s final words reveal the toxicity of the feud between the Capulets and Montagues.
Model Response
As Mercutio dies, his bitter call for "a plague o' both your houses" (3.1.94) underscores the destructive toxicity of the Capulet-Montague feud, marking the play's definitive shift into bloody tragedy.
Plot Context
Embedded Quote
MLA Citation
Sophisticated Verb
MLA Mastery Checklist
Act.Scene.Line Format
Periods separate numbers without spaces: (2.4.15).
Punctuation Position
The final period goes after the citation parenthesis.
No Analytical Filler
Never use "This quote shows." Use verbs like illuminates or reveals.
Juxtaposes
Foreshadows
Characterizes
Verse & Line Breaks
Shakespeare often writes in verse. If you quote 2-3 lines, use a forward slash (/).
"O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright! / It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night" (1.5.46-47).
Leave a space on both sides of the slash.
Maintain original capitalization.
Practice 2
Punctuation Patrol
Rewrite this sentence with correct punctuation and citation for Act 1, Scene 1, line 170.
"Alas, that love, whose view is muffled still!" Romeo exclaims. (1:1:170)
Correction Guide:
Move character attribution to the start.
Place ending punctuation after the parenthesis.
Format numbers with periods: (1.1.170).
Correct Answer
Romeo exclaims, "Alas, that love, whose view is muffled still" (1.1.170).
Introductory tag flows into the quote. Internal exclamation is removed. Period goes after citation.
Sophisticated Lead-Ins
Avoid "He says" or "She says." Use your lead-in to provide plot context.
Option 1: Contextual
Romeo instantly forgets Rosaline when he catches sight of Juliet, wondering,
Option 2: Grammatical
Juliet’s beauty is so striking that Romeo claims she actually
"Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight!" (1.5.50).
Practice 3
Lead-In Power
Complete this sentence by choosing the superior lead-in.
[Your Lead-In], "Wisely and slow. They stumble that run fast" (2.3.94).
Option A
The Friar warns Romeo about his haste by advising him to go
Option B
The Friar thinks Romeo is too fast and says,
Correct Answer
Option A
"The Friar warns Romeo about his haste by advising him to go..."
Option A is better because it provides specific context (haste) and uses more descriptive verbs (warns/advising).
Seamless Integration
Flow naturally from your voice to the character's voice.
Clunky (Avoid)
Tybalt hates peace. He says, "I hate the word / As I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee" (1.1.68-69).
Sophisticated (Goal)
Tybalt establishes his aggressive nature by claiming to hate peace as much as he hates "hell, all Montagues, and [Benvolio]" (1.1.68-69).
Ellipses (...) & Brackets [ ]
Tools to make a quote fit your sentence's grammar and focus.
Ellipses (...)
Remove unnecessary words
"I will withdraw, but this intrusion shall... convert to bitterest gall" (1.5.91-92).
Brackets [ ]
Change words or tense
Tybalt promises that the "intrusion [will]... convert to bitterest gall" (1.5.91-92).
Practice 4
Synthesis Challenge
Combine these into one seamless sentence with an MLA citation.
Context
Friar Lawrence warns Romeo that loving too intensely can lead to destruction.
Quote
"These violent delights have violent ends" (2.6.9).
Try starting with the context as your lead-in.
Correct Answer
Friar Lawrence warns Romeo that "these violent delights have violent ends" (2.6.9), revealing his deep concern about the couple's hasty passion.
Notice how the context becomes the introductory clause and the quote is woven directly into the sentence structure.
Quoting Dialogue
To quote a conversation, use a block format. Capitalize names followed by a period.
Romeo. I do protest I never injured thee,
But love thee better than thou canst devise...
Tybalt. Boy, this shall not excuse the injuries
That thou hast done me. Therefore turn and draw. (3.1.67-71)
Pro-Tip: No quotation marks are used in block format.
Block Quotes (4+ Lines)
Required if you quote 4+ lines of poetry. Indent the entire block.
Mercutio’s Queen Mab speech showcases his imagination:
She is the fairies' midwife, and she comes
In shape no bigger than an agate stone
On the forefinger of an alderman,
Drawn with a team of little atomies (1.4.54-57)
Period comes BEFORE citation.
No quotation marks around block.
Practice 5
The Block Test
Identify two formatting errors in this block quote attempt.
Prince Escalus warns the families that their violence must end:
"If ever you disturb our streets again,
Your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace.
For this time, all the rest depart away"
(1.1.92-94).
Error 1: _____________________
Error 2: _____________________
Correct Answer
1
Remove Quotation Marks: Block quotes do not use quotation marks around the main body of text.
2
Period Position: In block quotes, the final period comes before the citation parenthesis.
Practice 6
Quote Surgery
Remove "this quote shows" and replace it with a sophisticated verb.
"Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow" (2.2.184). This quote shows that Juliet feels conflicted about leaving Romeo because she loves him.
Juliet’s oxymoronic description of "sweet sorrow" (2.2.184) illuminates the painful duality of her blossoming romance.
By removing the filler, the analysis becomes much tighter and your academic voice sounds more authoritative.
The Master Challenge
Write an original analytical sentence (context + quote + citation + analysis). NO "This shows"!
Evidence
"A plague o' both your houses!"
Speaker: Mercutio // (3.1.94)
Prompt
Explain how Mercutio’s final words reveal the toxicity of the feud between the Capulets and Montagues.
Model Response
As Mercutio dies, his bitter call for "a plague o' both your houses" (3.1.94) underscores the destructive toxicity of the Capulet-Montague feud, marking the play's definitive shift into bloody tragedy.
Plot Context
Embedded Quote
MLA Citation
Sophisticated Verb
MLA Mastery Checklist
Act.Scene.Line Format
Periods separate numbers without spaces: (2.4.15).
Punctuation Position
The final period goes after the citation parenthesis.
No Analytical Filler
Never use "This quote shows." Use verbs like illuminates or reveals.
Illuminates
Juxtaposes
Foreshadows
Characterizes
Verse & Line Breaks
Shakespeare often writes in verse. If you quote 2-3 lines, use a forward slash (/).
"O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright! / It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night" (1.5.46-47).
Leave a space on both sides of the slash.
Maintain original capitalization.
Practice 2
Punctuation Patrol
Rewrite this sentence with correct punctuation and citation for Act 1, Scene 1, line 170.
"Alas, that love, whose view is muffled still!" Romeo exclaims. (1:1:170)
Correction Guide:
Move attribution to the start.
Ending punctuation after parenthesis.
Use periods between numbers.
Correct Answer
Romeo exclaims, "Alas, that love, whose view is muffled still" (1.1.170).
Introductory tag flows into the quote. Internal exclamation is removed. Period goes after citation.
Sophisticated Lead-Ins
Avoid "He says" or "She says." Use your lead-in to provide plot context.
Option 1: Contextual
Romeo instantly forgets Rosaline when he catches sight of Juliet, wondering,
Option 2: Grammatical
Juliet’s beauty is so striking that Romeo claims she actually
"Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight!" (1.5.50).
Practice 3
Lead-In Power
Complete this sentence by choosing the superior lead-in.
[Your Lead-In], "Wisely and slow. They stumble that run fast" (2.3.94).
Option A
The Friar warns Romeo about his haste by advising him to go
Option B
The Friar thinks Romeo is too fast and says,
Correct Answer
Option A
"The Friar warns Romeo about his haste by advising him to go..."
Option A is better because it provides specific context (haste) and uses more descriptive verbs (warns/advising).
Seamless Integration
Flow naturally from your voice to the character's voice.
Clunky (Avoid)
Tybalt hates peace. He says, "I hate the word / As I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee" (1.1.68-69).
Sophisticated (Goal)
Tybalt establishes his aggressive nature by claiming to hate peace as much as he hates "hell, all Montagues, and [Benvolio]" (1.1.68-69).
Ellipses (...) & Brackets [ ]
Tools to make a quote fit your sentence's grammar and focus.
Ellipses (...)
Remove unnecessary words
"I will withdraw, but this intrusion shall... convert to bitterest gall" (1.5.91-92).
Brackets [ ]
Change words or tense
Tybalt promises that the "intrusion [will]... convert to bitterest gall" (1.5.91-92).
Practice 4
Synthesis Challenge
Combine these into one seamless sentence with an MLA citation.
Context
Friar Lawrence warns Romeo that loving too intensely can lead to destruction.
Quote
"These violent delights have violent ends" (2.6.9).
Try starting with the context as your lead-in.
Correct Answer
Friar Lawrence warns Romeo that "these violent delights have violent ends" (2.6.9), revealing his deep concern about the couple's hasty passion.
Notice how the context becomes the introductory clause and the quote is woven directly into the sentence structure.
Quoting Dialogue
To quote a conversation, use a block format. Capitalize names followed by a period.
Romeo. I do protest I never injured thee,
But love thee better than thou canst devise...
Tybalt. Boy, this shall not excuse the injuries
That thou hast done me. Therefore turn and draw. (3.1.67-71)
Pro-Tip: No quotation marks are used in block format.
Block Quotes (4+ Lines)
Required if you quote 4+ lines of poetry. Indent the entire block.
Mercutio’s Queen Mab speech showcases his imagination:
She is the fairies' midwife, and she comes
In shape no bigger than an agate stone
On the forefinger of an alderman,
Drawn with a team of little atomies (1.4.54-57)
Period BEFORE citation.
No quotation marks.
Practice 5
The Block Test
Identify two formatting errors in this block quote attempt.
Prince Escalus warns the families that their violence must end:
"If ever you disturb our streets again,
Your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace.
For this time, all the rest depart away"
(1.1.92-94).
Error 1: _____________________
Error 2: _____________________
Correct Answer
1
Remove Quotation Marks: Block quotes do not use quotation marks around the main body of text.
2
Period Position: In block quotes, the final period comes before the citation parenthesis.
Practice 6
Quote Surgery
Remove "this quote shows" and replace it with a sophisticated verb.
"Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow" (2.2.184). This quote shows that Juliet feels conflicted about leaving Romeo because she loves him.
Juliet’s oxymoronic description of "sweet sorrow" (2.2.184) illuminates the painful duality of her blossoming romance.
By removing the filler, the analysis becomes much tighter and your academic voice sounds more authoritative.
The Master Challenge
Write an original analytical sentence (context + quote + citation + analysis). NO "This shows"!
Evidence
"A plague o' both your houses!"
Speaker: Mercutio // (3.1.94)
Prompt
Explain how Mercutio’s final words reveal the toxicity of the feud between the Capulets and Montagues.
Model Response
As Mercutio dies, his bitter call for "a plague o' both your houses" (3.1.94) underscores the destructive toxicity of the Capulet-Montague feud, marking the play's definitive shift into bloody tragedy.
Plot Context
Embedded Quote
MLA Citation
Sophisticated Verb
MLA Mastery Checklist
Act.Scene.Line Format
Periods separate numbers without spaces: (2.4.15).
Punctuation Position
The final period goes after the citation parenthesis.
No Analytical Filler
Never use "This quote shows." Use verbs like illuminates or reveals.
Illuminates
Juxtaposes
Foreshadows
Characterizes
Verse & Line Breaks
Shakespeare often writes in verse. If you quote 2-3 lines, use a forward slash (/).
"O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright! / It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night" (1.5.46-47).
Leave a space on both sides of the slash.
Maintain original capitalization.
Practice 2
Punctuation Patrol
Rewrite this sentence with correct punctuation and citation for Act 1, Scene 1, line 170.
"Alas, that love, whose view is muffled still!" Romeo exclaims. (1:1:170)
Correction Guide:
Move attribution to the start.
Ending punctuation after parenthesis.
Use periods between numbers.
Correct Answer
Romeo exclaims, "Alas, that love, whose view is muffled still" (1.1.170).
Introductory tag flows into the quote. Internal exclamation is removed. Period goes after citation.
Sophisticated Lead-Ins
Avoid "He says" or "She says." Use your lead-in to provide plot context.
Option 1: Contextual
Romeo instantly forgets Rosaline when he catches sight of Juliet, wondering,
Option 2: Grammatical
Juliet’s beauty is so striking that Romeo claims she actually
"Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight!" (1.5.50).
Practice 3
Lead-In Power
Complete this sentence by choosing the superior lead-in.
[Your Lead-In], "Wisely and slow. They stumble that run fast" (2.3.94).
Option A
The Friar warns Romeo about his haste by advising him to go
Option B
The Friar thinks Romeo is too fast and says,
Correct Answer
Option A
"The Friar warns Romeo about his haste by advising him to go..."
Option A is better because it provides specific context (haste) and uses more descriptive verbs (warns/advising).
Seamless Integration
Flow naturally from your voice to the character's voice.
Clunky (Avoid)
Tybalt hates peace. He says, "I hate the word / As I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee" (1.1.68-69).
Sophisticated (Goal)
Tybalt establishes his aggressive nature by claiming to hate peace as much as he hates "hell, all Montagues, and [Benvolio]" (1.1.68-69).
Ellipses (...) & Brackets [ ]
Tools to make a quote fit your sentence's grammar and focus.
Ellipses (...)
Remove unnecessary words
"I will withdraw, but this intrusion shall... convert to bitterest gall" (1.5.91-92).
Brackets [ ]
Change words or tense
Tybalt promises that the "intrusion [will]... convert to bitterest gall" (1.5.91-92).
Practice 4
Synthesis Challenge
Combine these into one seamless sentence with an MLA citation.
Context
Friar Lawrence warns Romeo that loving too intensely can lead to destruction.
Quote
"These violent delights have violent ends" (2.6.9).
Try starting with the context as your lead-in.
Correct Answer
Friar Lawrence warns Romeo that "these violent delights have violent ends" (2.6.9), revealing his deep concern about the couple's hasty passion.
Notice how the context becomes the introductory clause and the quote is woven directly into the sentence structure.
Quoting Dialogue
To quote a conversation, use a block format. Capitalize names followed by a period.
Romeo. I do protest I never injured thee,
But love thee better than thou canst devise...
Tybalt. Boy, this shall not excuse the injuries
That thou hast done me. Therefore turn and draw. (3.1.67-71)
Pro-Tip: No quotation marks are used in block format.
Block Quotes (4+ Lines)
Required if you quote 4+ lines of poetry. Indent the entire block.
Mercutio’s Queen Mab speech showcases his imagination:
She is the fairies' midwife, and she comes
In shape no bigger than an agate stone
On the forefinger of an alderman,
Drawn with a team of little atomies (1.4.54-57)
Period BEFORE citation.
No quotation marks.
Practice 5
The Block Test
Identify two formatting errors in this block quote attempt.
Prince Escalus warns the families that their violence must end:
"If ever you disturb our streets again,
Your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace.
For this time, all the rest depart away"
(1.1.92-94).
Error 1: _____________________
Error 2: _____________________
Correct Answer
1
Remove Quotation Marks: Block quotes do not use quotation marks around the main body of text.
2
Period Position: In block quotes, the final period comes before the citation parenthesis.
Practice 6
Quote Surgery
Remove "this quote shows" and replace it with a sophisticated verb.
"Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow" (2.2.184). This quote shows that Juliet feels conflicted about leaving Romeo because she loves him.
Juliet’s oxymoronic description of "sweet sorrow" (2.2.184) illuminates the painful duality of her blossoming romance.
By removing the filler, the analysis becomes much tighter and your academic voice sounds more authoritative.
The Master Challenge
Write an original analytical sentence (context + quote + citation + analysis). NO "This shows"!
Evidence
"A plague o' both your houses!"
Speaker: Mercutio // (3.1.94)
Prompt
Explain how Mercutio’s final words reveal the toxicity of the feud between the Capulets and Montagues.
Model Response
As Mercutio dies, his bitter call for "a plague o' both your houses" (3.1.94) underscores the destructive toxicity of the Capulet-Montague feud, marking the play's definitive shift into bloody tragedy.
Plot Context
Embedded Quote
MLA Citation
Sophisticated Verb
MLA Mastery Checklist
Act.Scene.Line Format
Periods separate numbers without spaces: (2.4.15).
Punctuation Position
The final period goes after the citation parenthesis.
No Analytical Filler
Never use "This quote shows." Use verbs like illuminates or reveals.
Illuminates
Juxtaposes
Foreshadows
Characterizes
Verse & Line Breaks
Shakespeare often writes in verse. If you quote 2-3 lines, use a forward slash (/).
"O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright! / It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night" (1.5.46-47).
Leave a space on both sides of the slash.
Maintain original capitalization.
Practice 2
Punctuation Patrol
Rewrite this sentence with correct punctuation and citation for Act 1, Scene 1, line 170.
"Alas, that love, whose view is muffled still!" Romeo exclaims. (1:1:170)
Correction Guide:
Move attribution to the start.
Ending punctuation after parens.
Use periods between numbers.
Correct Answer
Romeo exclaims, "Alas, that love, whose view is muffled still" (1.1.170).
Notice: The introductory tag flows into the quote. Internal exclamation is removed. The period belongs after the citation.
Sophisticated Lead-Ins
Avoid "He says." Use your lead-in to provide plot context.
Contextual
Romeo instantly forgets Rosaline when he catches sight of Juliet, wondering,
Grammatical
Juliet’s beauty is so striking that Romeo claims she actually
"Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight!" (1.5.50).
Practice 3
Lead-In Power
Complete this sentence by choosing the superior lead-in.
[Your Lead-In], "Wisely and slow. They stumble that run fast" (2.3.94).
Option A
The Friar warns Romeo about his haste by advising him to go
Option B
The Friar thinks Romeo is too fast and says,
Correct Answer
Option A
"The Friar warns Romeo about his haste by advising him to go..."
Option A is superior because it provides specific plot context (haste) and uses active verbs (warns/advising) that sharpen your analysis.
Seamless Integration
Flow naturally from your voice to the character's voice.
Clunky (Avoid)
Tybalt hates peace. He says, "I hate the word / As I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee" (1.1.68-69).
Sophisticated (Goal)
Tybalt establishes his aggressive nature by claiming to hate peace as much as he hates "hell, all Montagues, and [Benvolio]" (1.1.68-69).
Ellipses (...) & Brackets [ ]
Tools to make a quote fit your sentence's grammar and focus.
Ellipses (...)
Remove unnecessary words
"I will withdraw, but this intrusion shall... convert to bitterest gall" (1.5.91-92).
Brackets [ ]
Change words or tense
Tybalt promises that the "intrusion [will]... convert to bitterest gall" (1.5.91-92).
Practice 4
Synthesis Challenge
Combine these into one seamless sentence with an MLA citation.
Context
Friar Lawrence warns Romeo that loving too intensely can lead to destruction.
Quote
"These violent delights have violent ends" (2.6.9).
Try starting with the context as your lead-in.
Correct Answer
Friar Lawrence warns Romeo that "these violent delights have violent ends" (2.6.9), revealing his deep concern about the couple's hasty passion.
Notice how the context becomes the introductory clause and the quote is woven directly into the sentence structure.
Quoting Dialogue
To quote a conversation, use a block format. Capitalize names followed by a period.
Romeo. I do protest I never injured thee,
But love thee better than thou canst devise...
Tybalt. Boy, this shall not excuse the injuries
That thou hast done me. Therefore turn and draw. (3.1.67-71)
Pro-Tip: No quotation marks are used in block format.
Block Quotes (4+ Lines)
Required if you quote 4+ lines of poetry. Indent the entire block.
Mercutio’s Queen Mab speech:
She is the fairies' midwife, and she comes
In shape no bigger than an agate stone
On the forefinger of an alderman,
Drawn with a team of little atomies (1.4.54-57)
Period BEFORE citation.
No quotation marks.
Practice 5
The Block Test
Identify two formatting errors in this block quote attempt.
Prince Escalus warns the families:
"If ever you disturb our streets again,
Your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace.
For this time, all the rest depart away"
(1.1.92-94).
Error 1: ________
Error 2: ________
Correct Answer
1
Remove Quotation Marks
Block quotes do not use quotation marks around the main body of text.
2
Period Position
In block quotes, the final period comes before the citation parenthesis.
Practice 6
Quote Surgery
Remove "this quote shows" and replace it with a sophisticated verb.
"Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow" (2.2.184). This quote shows that Juliet feels conflicted about leaving Romeo because she loves him.
Juliet’s oxymoronic description of "sweet sorrow" (2.2.184) illuminates the painful duality of her blossoming romance.
By removing the filler, the analysis becomes much tighter and your academic voice sounds more authoritative.
The Master Challenge
Write an original analytical sentence (context + quote + citation + analysis). STRICT RULE: No "This shows"!
Evidence
"A plague o' both your houses!"
Speaker: Mercutio // (3.1.94)
Prompt
Explain how Mercutio’s final words reveal the toxicity of the feud between the Capulets and Montagues.
Model Response
As Mercutio dies, his bitter call for "a plague o' both your houses" (3.1.94) underscores the destructive toxicity of the Capulet-Montague feud, marking the play's definitive shift into tragedy.
Plot Context
Embedded Quote
MLA Citation
Sophisticated Verb
MLA Mastery Checklist
Act.Scene.Line Format
Periods separate numbers without spaces: (2.4.15).
Punctuation Position
The final period goes after the citation parenthesis.
No Analytical Filler
Never use "This quote shows." Use verbs like illuminates or reveals.
